13 Mar 2026
For musicians in Aotearoa, the path to building a sustainable artistic career is rarely smooth. Whether they are at the beginning of their journey or already working professionally, many discover that talent and determination can only take them so far.
Opportunities to train, travel, perform and grow often come with significant financial barriers, and the support needed to make those opportunities possible is a rare and precious find. As the expectations placed on them increase, the structures around them can fall away, leaving even highly capable musicians without the resources they need to take the next step.
For more than 30 years, the Jack McGill Scholarship has helped bridge this gap. Over a hundred musicians have received support that enables them to take on international study or professional development at crucial points in their careers. Each year, the scholarship supports up to two promising musicians, aged 20 or over, to study overseas for up to a year. Applicants must have an undergraduate or equivalent in their instrument of choice and a strong track record of achievement.
One such artist is cellist Matthias Balzat, who was recently invited to join the widely respected classical music ensemble NZTrio. Matthias was awarded the Jack McGill Scholarship in 2021, and he says the funding gave him the freedom to pursue the kind of career defining experiences that studying overseas demands.
“Being a music student studying abroad demands more than just the university fees and the living costs that come with it. Having the funds to allow one to enter competitions, travel to and partake in festivals, masterclasses and concerts adds a certain financial burden, which I was very gratefully alleviated from by the support of the scholarship.”
Matthias had long envisioned living in Germany, and the scholarship enabled him to make the move. The funding allowed him to study a Master of Music in Cello at Robert Schumann Hochschule für Musik in Düsseldorf.
He found himself immersed in a rich and active musical environment, surrounded by people for whom classical music is part of daily life.
“Given that classical music is deeply ingrained in Germany's history, I was overwhelmed by the vastness of opportunities and the collective musical enthusiasm.”
Since returning home, Matthias has continued to build a varied and ambitious career. In 2025, he says he was “thrilled” to be invited to be NZTrio’s newest member.
“I am privileged to work with such highly esteemed musicians as Amalia Hall and Somi Kim, with whom I get to perform around NZ and contribute towards NZ's musical education.”
Alongside the ensemble, he also maintains solo and collaborative projects. In 2025 and 2026 he performed on stages throughout Asia, Europe, Australasia and the UK.
While he believes that perfecting one’s craft is essential for any classical musician, Matthias also recognises that technical skill is only one part of the equation.
“The aspect I have found most challenging to learn is that merit alone will not likely earn a sustainable career, but is indeed one component of many, including humility, communication skills, assertiveness, persistence, and no small degree of patience.”
Support from audiences and communities also makes a meaningful difference.
“Even the briefest word of appreciation from an aspiring musician or a casual concert attendee can be the most powerful motivator for what I do. In terms of career, performance, performance, performance is key!”
For those hoping to build a life in music, Matthias offers these reflections:
- You never know when a big opportunity might be waiting around the corner.
- To master your mind is to master your instrument. No matter how much time you spend striving for perfection in the practise room, you won't be able to perform if your heart isn't in the right place.
- You never know if your peers today will make it big in the future, so keep them close and respect their journeys.
If you are interested in contributing to Creative New Zealand’s Music Scholarships as a patron, please contact renee.casserly@creativenz.govt.nz. Long term support such as donations, patronage and bequests can make a transformational difference, creating stable funds that allow future artists to thrive.
Find out more
Read more about the Jack McGill Scholarship and other opportunities for musicians
If you would like more information on giving to our Music Scholarship programmes, please contact renee.casserly@creativenz.govt.nz